FC eagles played against Liberty Hawks for the third non-league game of the season on Sep. 6. The Hawks came out strong from the beginning with their strong serves and accurate hits, defeating the Eagles in the first game, 25-16. In the second game, the Eagles stepped up their game by utilizing senior libero Kristen Rosenthal, No. 0, and sophomore setter Gaby Siqueiros, No. 14.

However, the Hawks dominated the second game by blocking and digging, preventing FC from scoring and defeated the Eagles, 25-13. The third game was similar to the previous games as the Hawks continued to score by hitting strong hits and running complicated plays, defeated the Eagles, 25-13.

Senior captain Bri Graff says that it is important for the team to be aggressive. It is also crucial to be confident and communicate with one another on the court.

“We played a little bit timid,” Graff said. “But all we needed was to play with confidence because each one of the girls has the ability to accomplish what our coach has taught us. If we play with confidence, consistency, and communication, I am confident that we can win more games throughout the season.”

Despite losing against Liberty Hawks on Sep. 6, the Eagles came back on the court to play against Stone Ridge Knights, Sep 7. In the first game, the Knights came out strong and defeated the Eagles, 25-20. In the second game, FC was defeated by two points, 25-23. However, FC turned the game around when they reviewed the game plans throughly and defeated the Knights, 25-23. FC continued to dominate in the third game when strong serves from Annaleah Madison caused turbulence for the Knights, defeating them 25-19. The last game was a crucial match for both teams, since it determined the winners. Despite the pressure and stress, the Eagles were able to pull through together as a team and won the match, 15-12.

Siquieros says even though it was a tough match, the Eagles were able to win by not giving up and staying positive.

“Playing against Stone Ridge was so intense,” Siqueiros said. “We lost the first two games, so we did not think we could pull through, but we were able to defeat them by not giving up. This game proves that we can achieve anything if we are willing to work and play our best.”

According to freshman Olivia Quebe, the game against Stone Ridge was a crucial game, since the team learned how to work together as one. Quebe believes that it is important to encourage and support each other throughout the season.

“I am so glad we won,” Quebe said. “Winning against Stone Ridge definitely brought us together. We did not win against Liberty, so we were kind of down. But winning this game made us realize that volleyball is a team sport, so we need to work together as a team rather than individuals on the court. As long as we keep encouraging and helping each other, I am sure we will have a great season.”

The Eagles next played Sierra High School, Sept. 11. The Chieftains defeated FC in straight sets, 3-0 (25-17, 25-8, 25-19). Please return to the Sports section for information on that game and the Sunnyside Tournament, Sept. 15. The Eagles lost, 2-0, to Hanford Bullpups in their only match (25-21, 25-16).

For more volleyball sport shorts, read the Sept. 5 article Volleyball sport shorts: Non-league games.